The Wulin Branch is not far from the Global Center. Upon seeing a towering, peculiar building from a distance, you know you are close. The exhibition hall consists of four floors. Although it can be tiring to explore them thoroughly, it is well worth the effort.
On the first floor, the Wu Yue General History display titled ‘Long Song of Yue’ showcases almost all of Zhejiang Museum’s impressive collection. This includes the Hemudu culture’s double bird sunrise patterned ivory carving, Liangzhu culture’s jade cong, the gilded silver Ashoka stupa unearthed from the Leifeng Pagoda’s underground palace, and the ancient dugout canoe found beside Xianghu Lake. Additionally, an Eastern Jin Dynasty tomb, which has been moved here in its entirety from Huzhou, is particularly special. Black pottery, bronze, and lacquer objects are placed just as they were in the tomb, providing an immersive experience.
On the second floor, the ‘Qianjiang Tide’ exhibit focuses on the revolutionary history of Zhejiang. Visitors can learn about the historical trajectory from the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party on the South Lake Red Boat to the path to liberation through audio-visual devices.
On the third floor, the ‘Ten Miles of Red Makeup’ display showcasing the wedding customs of Ningshao is visually striking. The festive bright red color leaves a lasting impression. One of the museum’s treasures, the ‘Wan Gong Sedan,’ is incredibly delicate. From afar, it resembles a miniature palace, with its intricate red and gold wood carvings standing out.For ancient women, having such a sedan chair for their marriage was a lifetime honor. This symbol of status and prestige was a cherished possession.
Although the original ‘Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains – Remaining Mountain Scroll’ is not usually on display in the adjacent calligraphy and painting hall, visitors can still immerse themselves in the rich history of this famous work. Various copies are available for viewing, allowing one to learn about the intriguing and tortuous history of its inheritance and collection. This is a story worth lingering over, as it unveils the layers of cultural significance and the journey of the artwork through time.
Moreover, the museum offers a dynamic experience through its temporary exhibition spaces. Located on the underground first floor and the second floor, these spaces host several significant temporary exhibitions each year. To stay informed about upcoming exhibitions, visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the latest news.
The museum is open all year round, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 09:00 and 17:00. It remains closed on Mondays, with the exception of public holidays, when it operates as usual. In such cases, closures are postponed to the first day after the holiday. To ensure a smooth end to the visiting day, the site begins to clear visitors at 16:50 daily, allowing for an orderly departure and the preparation for the next day’s visitors.
